Types of Online Slot Machines
You can start playing online slot machines in the USA with any experience level. However, beginners do not always know the different types of slot machines that are available.
Slots are classified according to different criteria.
Different slots have different functions, structure, design, parameters like RTP or variance, and payout ratios. An important characteristic is the slot’s level of volatility. It determines how often the slot gives winnings and what the rewards are. There are 3 types listed below.
Slots | Win Frequency | Payout Ratios |
---|---|---|
High volatility | Low | High |
Medium volatility | Medium | Medium |
Low volatility | High | Low |
The graphics in the slots can be different. More and more providers are releasing games with realistic 3D animations. Every developer has a portfolio with games dedicated to various topics. Slot machines are often inspired by Ancient Egypt, pirates, animals, different countries, holidays, etc. The theme depends on the chosen plot, character set, and bonus mechanics.
Progressive Slots
Users looking for big payouts prefer to play online slot machine games in a casino with a progressive jackpot feature in place. These games can bring the biggest wins. The main difference between these machines is that the prize fund is not fixed. It is accumulated from bets made by online casino users for real money. The actual amount that you can try to win is usually displayed on the slot screen.
The amounts in progressive jackpot machines can reach millions of U.S. dollars.
You can win the main prize in special rounds after getting the corresponding combination of symbols. In some slots, the reward is given out randomly. The chances of hitting such a jackpot don’t depend on the size of the bet or the number of spins used. The main condition is to play for money.
Video Slots
Video slots are any slot machines that don’t have actual mechanical reels spinning. These games appeared in the 20th century when the symbols began to come up on screens imitating physical reels instead of actual reels. Any slot in an online casino is a video slot.
Three-Reel Classics
Many gamblers like to play online slots and games in the USA, choosing classic designs. These are slot machines based on the design of the first one-armed bandits. In most cases, slots of this genre have the following characteristics:
- Three reels
- One payout line
- Minimal bonuses: additional features are limited to the risk game
These classic machines have standard designs. Sets of symbols may include fruits, sevens, bells, BAR inscriptions, and precious stones.
Providers combine the aesthetics and structure of simple three-reel slots with other themes. Casinos have traditional one-armed bandits with symbols like animals, Asian hieroglyphs, and other images. Slots with these themes are appreciated by fans of the classics, new players, and other categories of online casino customers.
Multi Payline & Multi Reel
Developers let users play online casino slots with different numbers of reels and lines. Most slots have five vertical rows. This is an established standard, and such machines make up a large part of any provider’s portfolio.
The number of lines varies but usually ranges from 10 to 40.
In addition to the classic directions, developers are introducing alternative ways for forming combinations: clusters, winning ways, and others. Many providers produce slots similar to casual games with square playing fields.
Then there are slot machines with several sets of reels. The screen is divided into several parts. Each of them rotates an independent set of coils. As a result, more and more developers are producing slots with alternative mechanics:
- Avalanches. In these slots, the symbols that make up combos disappear after falling out. Neighboring symbols are moved to their places.
- MegaWays. Different numbers of symbols can drop on the reel.
- Hold & Win. There are only special symbols appearing on the screen, which can disappear or be kept on the playing field.
In multi-reel slots, there are various prize options available. These are standard, accumulative, and purchased bonuses, as well as free spins, prize features that run in random mode, and much more.
How Do Online Slots Work
In all licensed online casino slot games, the result of the round depends on RNG or random number generator. This is a software algorithm that, in random mode, determines which combination come up at the end of each spin.
It is impossible to influence the work of an RNG.
The game starts with you choosing the bet amount. It is deducted from your account at the beginning of the spin. If a winning combination comes up, your balance gets the amount with the appropriate coefficient. You can find the reward amount for each combination of symbols in the payout table. They depend on the bet you place for the spin. There are casinos designed for players who are ready to risk large sums. In the selection of slotandcasinos.org, you can find sites designed for high rollers.
Online Slot Providers
The number of companies specializing in online slot gambling is constantly growing. There are many brands with a long history, known to most players, working on the market. But new studios are also there to compete with the industry giants. The former benefit from their reputation, while the latter benefit from their innovative approach.
Devices to Play Online Slot Games
There are three types of devices where you can play slots:
- Personal computer
- Smartphone
- Tablet
Modern slot machines are adapted to all three categories. Most slots are developed based on HTML5. They run on all listed devices. Before, there were games developed using the Flash technology. Some of them are still popular today but they’re not supported by devices or web browsers anymore, so you need to download special software to play Flash-based games.
How to Start Playing Online Slots
The slots have a demo version and games for real money. In the first case, you place bets in virtual payment units. In the second case, you play for real money. Free demo slots are often available without registeringation. However, to play the full version, you need to log in to an online casino and make a deposit.
In demo mode, most of the gameplay functions are available. The restrictions usually relate to the jackpot, if there is one.
In both versions, the game algorithm goes as this:
- Start the slot.
- Choose the bet amount and the number of reels, and set the rest of the available settings.
- Spin the reels.
If a winning combination comes up, you receive payouts or access to prize features. The opposite is called an empty spin. In this case, you don’t win anything. In many slots, after a winning spin, you can go to the doubling round. It lets you multiply the last payout. Usually, this is a game with a 50/50 chance of winning. In these rounds, you need to guess the color of the suit or choose the highest card, but there are other round types, for example, guessing which side of the coin comes up.
Slots Strategy Tips
Since the result of each spin is determined by an RNG, there are no strategies with a 100% guarantee of winning. But there are a few tips that you can follow to increase your chances of hitting the jackpot:
- Carefully study the rules.
- Practice in demo mode.
- Gradually increase the bet until you get a bonus or a high-paying combination.
- Exit the risk game in time.
Strategies with allegedly foolproof betting systems are common on the Internet, but none of them can truly guarantee constant winnings. Also, you can hit the jackpot only on websites with a license. You can choose one of these websites in our selection at slotandcasinos.org.
Best Online Casino Slots
Our editors at slotandcasinos.org have compiled a selection of slots that are popular in online casinos. These are licensed games created by leading developers of gambling software.
How to Choose an Online Slot
Choosing the right slot machine theoretically increases your chances of winning. Here are the features to look out for:
- Number of reels.
- Number of lines.
- Volatility and RTP indicators.
- Payout rates.
- Set of prize features.
Before launching the slot machine in real money mode, it makes sense to test it in demo mode.
Top Online Casinos with Slot Games
The probability of hitting the jackpot and your gaming experience depend on the choice of an online casino. Websites with a license, owned by operators with a positive reputation and working honestly, will let you have experience the excitement and the desirable results you expect. You need to place bets on websites that have a license from a gambling regulator, positive reviews, and a profitable bonus program.
Each slot with a cumulative prize, in theory, can give out the jackpot at any time.
It depends on your preference. The functionality and probability of winning remain the same regardless of the platform.
The chances of hitting the jackpot depend only on the operation of an RNG, it does not matter what time of the day you place your bets.
Illegal sites often delay payments and refuse to withdraw money without any reason.
There are great games available in portfolios of most popular brands.